Sri Lanka are all set to host Afghanistan for the upcoming three-match One-Day International (ODI) series, starting June 02 at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota.
Notably, Sri Lanka’s performance in ODI matches can be considered average at the moment as the Dasun Shanaka-led team recently suffered a 2-0 defeat in a three-match ODI series against New Zealand. They also faced defeats in the two-match Test leg and the three-match T20I series against the Black Caps. Additionally, in January 2023, Sri Lanka were defeated 3-0 by India in a three-match ODI battle.
On the other hand, Afghanistan’s most recent ODI series was against Sri Lanka in November 2022, where they drew the series 1-1. They had a successful outing against Zimbabwe, winning the three-match ODI series 3-0 in June 2022. In March 2023, the Afghan side displayed their strength by defeating Pakistan 2-1 in a three-match T20I series, securing their first-ever victory against their neighboring country in the limited-overs format.
Key performers
Both Sri Lanka and Afghanistan possess several match-winners within their respective squads. Recently, star batter Dimuth Karunaratne has been included in Sri Lanka’s squad. The 35-year-old is known for his prowess in red-ball cricket and has the potential to adapt his skills to the white-ball format as well.
Similarly, Matheesha Pathirana‘s inclusion in the squad is another significant development as the 20-year-old has earned his call-up after delivering an outstanding performance for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. Having secured his first title in the prestigious league, Pathirana will be eager to make a strong impact in the upcoming series against Afghanistan.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the wicketkeeper-batsman, will be a player to watch out for from Afghanistan. He impressed with his performances for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2023. Another player to keep an eye on is the 18-year-old Noor Ahmad, who has made his mark at the international level. Noor played a significant role in the IPL 2023 for the Gujarat Titans (GT), helping them reach the finals.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan ODI series schedule:
- First ODI – June 02 at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, 10 AM IST/04:30 AM GMT
- Second ODI – June 04 at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, 10 AM IST/04:30 AM GMT
- Third ODI – June 07 at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, 10 AM IST/04:30 AM GMT
Squads:
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (vc & wk), Angelo Mathews, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Chamika Karunaratne, Dushan Hemantha, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana
Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah (vc), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhail (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujib ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Abdul Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Ahmad Malik.
Reserves: Gulbadin Naib, Shahidullah Kamal, Yamin Ahmadzai, Zia ur Rahman Akbar
Broadcast and Streaming details:
- India: Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV
- Sri Lanka: Siyatha TV, Sri Lanka Cricket YouTube channel and SLBC
- Rest of the World including Afghanistan: ICC.tv.